Common Pitfalls of Workplace Investigations

Employment

When issues arise with employees in any workplace, increasingly workplace investigations are used as both a risk management tool for employers as well as to develop and understand the “facts” of what transpired that caused the issue. When conducted properly, workplace investigations resolve disputes, uncover misconduct, protect employees, and protect employers from liability exposure. When […]


We’re in a Lockdown. It’s Fine; What’s the Risk with an Employee WFHawaii or Another State?

Business, Employment

The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on society have accelerated the digital transformation of the modern workplace. With the increasing use of telecommuting technologies and more employers instituting permanent work from home policies, employees and employers are – or should be – asking the question: what are the potential legal issues an employer may face […]


Be Prepared for Reopening Your Business with COVID-19 Policies in your Employment Handbook

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Employment

Recent changes in law and best practice guidance from the CDC and local authorities require employers to adopt written COVID-19 related policies before returning employees back to the office. For a fixed fee, we are offering the following: COVID-19 Package: COVID-19 plans and policies including: a general checklist for employers an infected employee response plan a […]


Karen Kalzer

US Supreme Court Recognizes Employment Rights Based on Same-Sex and Gender Identity Status

Employment

The Supreme Court of the United States announced its 6-3 decision today affirming that Title VII protects employees from discrimination on the basis of sex, and that basis includes sexual orientation and gender identity. The Court addressed three consolidated cases in which each of the complainants was terminated shortly after their same-sex orientation or transgender […]


CDC Guidance for Phased Reopening of Workplaces

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Employment

Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) draft guidelines for a 3-phased re-opening plan were released and published by national news media. Although rejected by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, given the often conflicting guidance coming from the White House, it is likely these guidelines would be viewed by some local and […]


New Protections for High-Risk Employees

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Employment

Yesterday, Governor Inslee issued his newest COVID-19 related order – Proclamation 20-46: High Risk Employees – Workers’ Rights – protecting high risk employees (defined as older adults and people of any age who have certain chronic underlying health conditions) by requiring the following of all public and private employers in Washington State: Utilize all available […]


EEOC Guidance on the Impact of COVID-19 on EEO Laws

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Employment

On April 9, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published a FAQ regarding the impact of COVID-19 on equal employment opportunity laws enforced by the agency, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.  Below are some highlights: For purposes of protecting the rest of the workforce, what information may employers ask […]


Update: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Regulations Filed

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Coronavirus / COVID-19, Employment

On April 2, the Secretary of Labor filed temporary regulations for the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Signed into law on March 18, FFCRA creates two new leave opportunities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSL) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act […]


Karen Kalzer

Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) Loans Authorized Under the CARES Act to Faith Based Organizations

Coronavirus / COVID-19, Coronavirus / COVID-19, Education, Employment

On Friday April 4, 2020, the Small Business Association (SBA) issued guidance regarding the availability of the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loans authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security (CARES) Act to faith-based organizations.  That frequently-asked-questions (FAQ) sheet offers us some guidance and can be found here. The FAQ clarifies that religious entities […]